Saaleh (7:73 – 7:74)

Saaleh

7:73 To Thamoud we sent their brother Saaleh. He said, “O my people, worship GOD; you have no other god beside Him. Proof has been provided for you from your Lord: here is GOD’s camel, to serve as a sign for you. Let her eat from GOD’s land, and do not touch her with any harm, lest you incur a painful retribution.

7:74 “Recall that He made you inheritors after `Aad, and established you on earth, building mansions in its valleys, and carving homes from its mountains . You shall remember GOD’s blessings, and do not roam the earth corruptingly.”

Was the camel a test and/or a miracle?

It seems to be both. Both the miracle is a miracle and a test.

Messengership: An Essential Test

17:94 What prevented the people from believing when the guidance came to them is their saying, “Did GOD send a human being as a messenger?” 17:95 Say, “If the earth were inhabited by angels, we would have sent down to them from the sky an angel messenger.”

54:27 We are sending the camel as a test for them. Watch them and be patient. 54:28 Inform them that the water shall be divided among them; (the camel) shall be allowed to drink on her designated day. 54:29 But they persuaded their friend to kill (the camel), and he obliged. 54:30 Consequently, how terrible was My retribution! They have been warned.

36:17 “Our sole mission is to deliver the message.” 36:18 They said, “We consider you bad omens. Unless you refrain, we will surely stone you, or afflict you with painful retribution.” 36:19 They said, “Your omen depends on your response, now that you have been reminded. Indeed, you are transgressing people.”

10 Incredible Places Carved from Rock

http://listverse.com/2012/11/26/10-incredible-places-carved-from-rock/

Petra Lost City of Stone Ancient History Documentary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeHtKI-LJLQ

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petra